'Nutcracker,' holiday shows take center stage in December

CourtesyPamela Hayes Classical Ballet Theatre will return to Three Stages in Folsom to perform "The Nutcracker" in December.

Locals will get into the holiday spirit this season with the help from a variety of dancers and a magical nutcracker.

Join Clara as she steps from a festive party into a magical dream where soldiers and mice battle as the Placer Theatre Ballet presents the holiday tradition, “The Nutcracker.”

Audience members can watch as Clara and her beloved Nutcracker Prince defeat the Mouse King, and travel through a kingdom of snow and ice before arriving at the palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy, where a dazzling array of entertainers from around the world gather to give her an evening full of fantasy and fun that she will never forget.

Ticket prices include $13 for children and $16 for adults, with premium seats available for $20.

Under the direction of Artistic Director Shea Wing, dancers of all levels will perform The Nutcracker at 2 p.m. on Dec. 1, at noon and 4 p.m. on Dec. 2, at 1 and 5 p.m. on Dec. 8 and at noon and 4 p.m. on Dec. 9, at Placer High School Theatre, 275 Orange St. in Auburn.

For more information and tickets, call (916) 630-7820 or visit placertheatreballet.org.

Three Stages Performing Arts Center at Folsom Lake College will also have performances available for audiences.

Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet Theater will return to Three Stages to perform “The Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 21, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 23.

For 12 years, Pamela Hayes, who began her training and professional career with the Royal Ballet in London, has brought this holiday tradition to the region.

Ticket prices range from $15 to $26.

For more information and tickets, visit threestages.net.

Another holiday performance to see this season is the Compañía Mazatlán Bellas Artes de Sacramento’s annual holiday performance of “Posada Navideña.”

This special Mexican Christmas production will feature 30 dancers and live musicians, this south-of-the-border celebration including a traditional Christmas processional, Mexican holiday songs, a visit from the Three Wise Men, a festive piñata scene and a vibrant holiday finale performed in the spirit of a true fiesta.

In addition to its seasonal flavor, “Posada Navideña” provides a whirlwind tour of Mexico’s many distinct cultural regions, from Veracruz to Guerrero to Jalisco, all with live musical accompaniment.

“Posada Navideña” will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14, at Three Stages. Ticket prices range from $20 to $35.